Arrest made in arson fire at Gwinnett pizzeria

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - Two people have been arrested in connection with a January 2 arson fire at Pepperoni's Duluth Alehouse in Gwinnett County.

An investigation into the fire led police to take Delilah Marie Smith, 57, and her live-in boyfriend Jerome Walker, 46 into custody.

Shortly after Midnight on January 2, the smoke from the fire at the Pepperoni's restaurant caused the smoke detector to go off in a business next door. A water line from a drink machine helped put the fire out. The restaurant suffered moderate damage, according to Gwinnett Fire.

Smith is listed as the pizzeria's owner. According to Gwinnett County Fire officials, inconsistencies in the information provided to police led to both of the arrests. Although no specific information about the inconsistences has been released, investigators believe financial trouble was a possible motive in the case.

"Both are being charged with one-count each of First-Degree Arson and Tools for the Commission of a Crime," said Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge.

Fire Investigators took Smith and Walker into custody separately on January 5.

They are being held without bond in the Gwinnett County Detention Center.